Sir Nigel: Boyhood of the Commander of the White Company

One of Doyle's favorite novels, set in medieval England beginning in 1348. A young squire, Sir Nigel, wishing to revive his ancestor's traditions vows to perform three noble deeds before claiming the hand of his love. The book is full of adventure, and lots of historical detail, such as the fact that forks had not yet been invented in 1348.